Her new gig with Fox News Channel will give Palin a new megaphone, in addition to her 1.1 million-plus supporters on Facebook. The Times reports that Palin has inked a “multi-year deal” that will make her part of the cable outlet’s programming “on a regular basis,” as part of an occasional series.

But while the Fox job will leave room for other pursuits, it’s also the latest sign that Palin, R-Alaska, is looking for ways to build upon her political brand in ways that don’t necessarily include a run for the presidency in 2012.

Though terms of the Fox deal have not been made public, this plus her quick authorship of a bestselling memoir suggest that Palin’s attention has turned to her own finances since leaving public life.

Messages left with Fox and Palin representatives were not immediately returned this afternoon.

UPDATE: Fox News Channel made the formal announcement of the deal this afternoon. According to the press release:

“Palin will provide political commentary and analysis for FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOXNews.com, and FOX News-produced special event political programming for FOX Broadcasting.”

“In addition, she will host periodic episodes of FNC’s ‘Real American Stories,’ a series exploring inspirational real-life tales of overcoming adversity throughout the American landscape that will debut in 2010.”